Mark Murphy (39) appeared before Norwich Crown Court for sentencing yesterday after admitting harassing Georgina Vyse which culminated in him assaulting her at her Downham home in March.

He was given a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was made the subject of a four-year restraining order banning him from contacting Miss Vyse in any way.

Murphy, who was formerly based at Swaffham road policing unit, was also given a conditional discharge for an unrelated charge of possessing 14 bullets following a search of his home in March.

He was also ordered to pay £1,100 in court costs and told to complete 200 hours unpaid work in the community.

The court was told Murphy started a relationship with Miss Vyse, a fellow police officer, following the break-up of his marriage.

But when drunk he "underwent a personality change" and abused her verbally, using foul language including one incident in front of family members which left Miss Vyse's mother very upset.

Mr Guy Ayers, prosecuting, told the court Murphy tried to isolate her from friends and had continually "put her down" and "undermined her confidence".

He moved to Downham to be near his partner but when the arguments continued she ended the relationship, sparking a series of text messages in which he said he was watching her and would come round to slit her throat.

Mr Michael Clare, defending, said Murphy had been on anti-depressants and had been drinking too much in an attempt to cope.

He resigned from the firearms unit after becoming ill and has since left the police. During his 20 years of service Murphy received eight commendations and an award for bravery.

Mr Clare said Murphy, now of Granary Close, Lingwood, near Norwich, was "very sorry, very ashamed and very embarrassed" by what he had done and admitted his behaviour was "inexcusable".

The court was told he now has no job and is selling his house and motorcycle to raise money.

On passing sentence, Judge Philip Curl said: "As a police officer, you of all people, should have known such behaviour cannot be tolerated."